Hangzhou International Airport conducted its largest emergency drill in recent years on Dec 9, deploying a rescue robot dog and a helicopter in an aviation emergency exercise.

The drill simulated an inbound international flight suffering an in-flight malfunction, veering off the runway and catching fire, activating a multi-agency emergency response.

Fifteen modules were tested, including aircraft fire response, medical evacuation, drone-interference control, and damaged-aircraft removal. A four-legged rescue robot equipped with life-detection and gas-sensing devices carried out smoke-filled-cabin searches and real-time data transmission. The rescue helicopter performed a rapid cross-regional transfer of critically injured passengers.

The drill also addressed "rogue drone" interference: airport police deployed counter-drone devices and captured the target drone within a minute. Over 100 anti-drone units are now positioned around the airport.

More than 500 personnel and 80 sets of equipment were involved in the 70-minute exercise, which tested communication, command coordination, and technology-enabled emergency response. Hangzhou International Airport said the drill further strengthened its preparedness and its ability to ensure safe and resilient operations.